BOCES LPN Program

What is the Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) in New York?

Created by the New York State legislature in 1948, the Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) provides education and career training to high school students, recent graduates, and adults in nearly all of the state’s 721 school districts.

BOCES Licensed Practical Nursing Programs

Because of the increasing demand for healthcare professionals in New York State, one of the most popular BOCES programs is the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program.

With New York State’s population estimated at 20 million people and increasing year after year, there is no shortage of opportunities for LPNs to work in settings as diverse as hospitals, nursing homes, private and public healthcare clinics, home health agencies, government agencies, private businesses, and more.

How Do I Enter a BOCES LPN Program?

Because of the demand for LPN jobs in New York State, the BOCES LPN programs are popular and often have competitive admission requirements.

Although each district has its own separate admission process, most of the programs have the same standards for eligibility. These standards require that you:

Complete a Nurse Entrance Exam

This exam assesses your mathematics and verbal skills, including vocabulary and reading comprehension. Prep courses are available in many districts to help you prepare for this exam.

Possess a High School or GED Diploma

In order to be considered for a BOCES LPN program in New York State, you must submit proof of your high school or GED diploma.

Be at Least 18 Years Old

The BOCES LPN programs require that you be at least 18 years old, although some programs accept applications from students who are 17 years old.

Complete an Interview Process

Similar to a job interview, the BOCES LPN interview process consists of several questions designed to help program administrators determine if you’re a good candidate for becoming a healthcare professional in New York State.

Pass a Physical, Medical, and Background Screening

You must pass a physical, medical, and background screening, which includes immunizations, blood work, and a criminal background check.

Received CPR Certification

Most BOCES programs in New York State require that you are certified to perform CPR. You can receive certification at the school you are applying to or by completing a first aid class in your community.

Where are BOCES LPN Programs in New York State?

There are a huge number of BOCES LPN programs in New York State that serve students in nearly every geographic and metropolitan area of the state:

NCLEX-PN Pass Rates

Obtaining Financial Aid for BOCES LPN Programs

As with most higher education programs, attending a BOCES LPN program in New York State requires a substantial tuition fee. Fortunately, most students qualify for financial aid through the federal government. The most common financial aid options include:

PELL Grant

PELL Grants are issued by the federal government and are awarded to students based on financial need. This money is designed specifically to be used for tuition and living expenses while obtaining a degree or BOCES LPN certification and doesn't have to be paid back.

Stafford Loan

A Stafford Loan is also issued by the federal government and is designed to pay for tuition and living expenses. However, unlike PELL Grants, students must begin paying back the money they borrowed within a certain timeframe after graduating or completing their educational program. Stafford Loans generally have much lower interest rates than student loans offered by private banks and credit institutions.

Completing the BOCES LPN Coursework

Depending on the type of course you signed up for, your program may take between one year (full time) and two years (part time) to complete. As an LPN student in the New York State BOCES program, you will be expected to achieve and maintain high standards of academic progress for things like:

Attendance

Learning to become an effective LPN requires hundreds of hours of hands-on training. Attendance and punctuality are mandatory in BOCES LPN programs and often factor into your grade.

Grades

As an LPN student, you will receive regular feedback concerning your grades and overall progress in the program’s curriculum.

Personal Conduct

In the workforce, LPNs are expected to maintain high levels of professionalism at all times. Standards of personal conduct and behavior are noted in the handbooks of BOCES LPN programs and are strictly enforced.

If you meet all the program’s requirements, you will receive a certificate of completion from your BOCES facility. Once you’ve received your certification, you’re free to take the New York State NCLEX-PN exam to obtain your nursing license.

Employment Opportunities and Job Placement for BOCES LPN Graduates

Each BOCES LPN program has different rates regarding job placement after students complete the required coursework and pass the NCLEX exam. However, employment rates are generally high and match the overall trend for LPN hiring throughout the country. See what kind of potential salary is available for LPNs.

For example, the Onondaga-Cortland-Madison BOCES LPN program claims an 83 percent graduation rate and a 71-73 percent job placement rate. The Orange-Ulster BOCES LPN program graduated 54 students in 2013, and 44 found related employment, one found unrelated employment, and three continued their education.

If you are concerned about the possibility of finding a job after completing a BOCES LPN program, contact your local BOCES facility and ask for their most recent graduation and employment numbers.

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